Disney has simply been kicking it out of the park in creating live-action versions of our beloved cartoons, and that has created a lot of buzz. Some audiences are amazed at their beauty, while others believe that the originals hold something that they can never improve upon: the quality of magic. Each and every time a new one is released, the greatest knotty question is, “Can it surpass the cartoon, or is it merely a beautiful imitation?” Look at five of the largest remakes, compare them, and determine if they even warrant a watch or not or if they are just fuzzy memories of our childhood Disney.
5. The Little Mermaid
Halle Bailey is perfect as Ariel, injecting energy into the singing and acting. The new music by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda is complementing the older ones, somehow infusing the narrative with a new flavour. Some of the live-action sequences have really stunning backgrounds, but then perhaps occasionally they might have included a bit more of the original magic of 1989. The cast is, though, brought up to date, and it’s certainly relevant for the audiences today to have the focus on diversity.
4. Mulan
Disney went all-in with their live-action remake of Mulan, essentially making the lighthearted animated movie a serious war epic. Forget the jokes and catchy tunes; this one’s all about the fight scenes, culture, and keeping it gritty. Visually, it’s gorgeous. The costumes are great, and the lead actress crushes it. But, they messed with the story and cut out some favourite parts, leaving some fans bummed. The so-so ticket sales show not everyone knew what to make of it.
It was a risky decision, but it polarized the audience. The lively Mulan still has a deeper impact and is more complete.
3. Aladdin
Aye, that Aladdin remake? In all honesty, it’s so much fun. The film is gorgeous, and the outfits? Absolutely gorgeous. Will Smith as the Genie? Absolutely the right casting; he absolutely nails it. Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott as Aladdin and Jasmine are good too. You actually think they’re those people. It doesn’t attempt to redo the entire story, but it inserts cool moments and tunes that everyone likes. I have to say, people seem to like this version even better than the ’92 cartoon.
Essentially, it retains what made the original good but adds its own flair and a killer cast, which makes it as good as the first one.
2. Beauty and the Beast
This new movie stays faithful to the 1991 cartoon, including all of the beloved songs and scenes as well as stunning sets and costumes. Emma Watson plays Belle perfectly, capturing her with the same poise and wit that we are accustomed to. In reality, the Beauty and the Beast movie is a fairy tale—exactly what viewers desire. However, there isn’t much that is shocking because it is so similar to the original. Some of it simply lacks the impact of the cartoon, like the song-and-dance sequences.
It’s good, but the original has more magic.
1. The Jungle Book
The Jungle Book by Jon Favreau shocked many with its incredibly lifelike jungle and amazing computer-generated animals. And for its amazing visuals, it even won an Oscar. The fact that the characters are treated fairly in the film is truly fantastic. The film is much more emotional because Mowgli and his animal companions have more depth. Although the 1967 cartoon was fantastic, this one takes it to the next level, giving it a much more realistic and powerful feel.
All in all, the live-action film honours the original but amps it up. To me, it is one of Disney’s best remakes.
Also Read: 7 Bollywood Icons Who Are Winning Big in Business
Wrapping Up
Disney’s live-action remakes? It’s a delicate game. They’re walking a thin line, attempting to tip their hats to the cartoons we all know and love while still contributing something new. With heartwarming storytelling and drop visuals, The Jungle Book does it perfectly. Aladdin and the Little Mermaid, all right? The actors are good, and they’re entertaining. Although they’re respectable adaptations, they don’t quite reach the same heights as the originals. The Beast and Beauty? A knockout! But it still lacks the special something the cartoon had. And Mulan… well, in trying to be more realistic, it sadly loses some of the heart that made the cartoon so lovable.
Written by Nidhi Singh